Friday, March 16, 2018

Value Training

We have spent 3 weeks on value change using watercolor media. These last two demos were for graded washes and tree shapes with value change. Everyone has worked hard on this series and produced good results. It amazes me how quiet the class becomes as they try to determine how to paint shapes that are determined by value. I'm sure their squinting at projected images have added many new wrinkles to their faces. It is so rewarding to have a class get this involved.

Wednesday, March 7, 2018

Spring Mud Puddles

Our group went out a country road to find a painting location. A large stack of wet rotting hay next to a pickup truck was my subject. You can see the tracks where cars or trucks have driven through the wet mud. I was challenged to paint these mud puddles and get some cast reflections. In the background is the blue mountain chain of Winters. All went well until time to leave and I got my car caught in the mud. The front of my car just went deeper as I tried to rock my way out. The hay bales saved me. With lots of help from my fellow artists who stuck pads of hay under my tires, I eventually got out. The car was covered with mud. Stopped in a carwash on my way home but some mud still remains. I also have plenty of mud inside. Quite an outing.